It’s no secret that we love a moto mama over at VC and they don’t come more awesome than Michelle Clabby-Lewis.
At 36 years old Michelle is mama to two young boys and is a full on dirt ripper who can be found riding epic trails in her home town of Portland, Oregon, competing in enduro comps and regularly beating the competition ! To say she’s got her hands full doesn’t even cover it!
We caught up with Michelle to ask her about her life with motorcycles, and for a few words of wisdom when it comes to balancing being a Mama and getting that dirt when you need to.
Where are you originally from and where do you live right now?
I grew up in Chula Vista, California, basically on the border of California and Tijuana, Mexico. I’ve lived the last 11 years in Portland, Oregon.
How and when did you start out riding motorcycles?
Well, my first time ever on motorcycle was a dirt bike when I was 16. After, a quick lesson from a friend, I saddled up and immediately whiskey throttled, flew off the bike and somehow ripped my pants. I didn’t touch another motorcycle until I was 26. Then a friend brought a dirt bike camping and gave my friends and me a lesson and let us tool around camp. At the time I wasn’t super interested in off road riding, but more interested in getting my motorcycle endorsement and getting a street bike. My now husband and all his buddies had all been riding Harleys for a while, and I was tired of riding on the back. So, that’s what I did. Took a riding class and got my endorsement and bought myself a Harley Sportster.
I rode the shit out of that thing. First, just around the city, then as I got more comfortable, I adventured as much as possible. I remember my first “long ride” (4 hours long, lol)... 30 minutes into the ride I had to pull over to collect myself. It was windy af (Google windy day at Vista House to see just how windy it can get in the Columbia Gorge)... Anyway, the point is, I feel like that ride was when I fell in love with the feeling of being on the road... the elements, the smells, the scenery, all of it. I did several epic rides with groups of friends, but the best are a toss up between my honeymoon around the Southwest with just my husband and my return trip from Babes Ride Out 2 (Joshua Tree to Portland via mostly the 395) with 3 other women.
Sadly, my Harley is collecting dust in the garage. I pretty much stopped riding street bikes after having kids, mostly because you can’t put a car seat on a bike lol. I’d go on a ride here and there and rent a bike when I went to events like Babes Ride Out, mostly because I didn’t have the time to do a full on multi-day road trip. Mom life is demanding... between breastfeeding/pumping and all that stuff it makes more sense to just have your kid around all the time, at least in those early years.
“Like most things, greatness takes time. Literally, the only way you get better at riding is by riding.”
What do you currently ride?
2020 KTM 150-XCW TPI
What first got you into riding dirt?
My friends and I had been doing an annual trip to Moab, Utah since 2008. I mostly was into wheelin’ (Jeeps) and side x sides. But, then my husband and his buds all started riding dirt bikes when we would go. So, in 2013, (29 years old), I decided to rent a dirt bike while we were in Moab. I figured, hey I’d been riding street bikes for a while now, I’d totally be able to hold my own on a dirt bike. Ha, I ate shit A LOT and cried A LOT, but after that I was like okay this off road riding is fun.
When we got back to Oregon I eventually ended up buying a used Honda CRF230 that I never got to ride, because it got stolen literally right after I bought it. It took a while to lock down another bike. I had a friend that broke up with his girlfriend and had a lowered Yamaha WR 250R for sale. I’d say that was my first dirt bike. Still, I wasn’t super into dirt bikes, it was just something I did when we would go camping. I mean, I’d just scoot around in jeans and a vintage jersey.
Then my husband started racing offroad. I don’t know what it was, but that’s ultimately what got me super into riding dirt. I grew up playing soccer and field hockey, so maybe it was the competitive nature in me. I had gone to several of his races and was like “I want to do that”. I entered my first race in 2015 (age 30), a Hare Scramble in southern Oregon. I was so scared, it was a mass start, I was lined up next to Justin (my husband) and 200 other riders. I came in 4th in my class, which is pretty impressive if there was more than 4 people in my class LOL. Anyway, the experience was humbling but also lit a fire in me that I hadn’t felt in a while. I was determined to improve and become a better rider. A week or two after that race I found out I was pregnant with Thomas (my first kiddo). I like to say that I started having babies and really riding dirt at the same time.
So now you’re a mama to two amazing little boys. How do you make riding work for you now as it can’t always be as simple and easy as it was before having a family?!
We invested in a travel trailer (30ft Airstream). 99% of the time we take our boys wherever we are riding. We go with friends and take turns going out for rides. Recently I convinced my mom to move the Oregon from California, so she’s been coming with us and helping with the boys so Justin and I can ride together. I make its sound so easy, but it’s not. Kids are tough and have needs and opinions. We just “embrace the suck” and do things anyway. Over time things that seemed so hard aren’t as hard. The boys love camping, bikes and dirt bikes. They both absolutely love riding on our bikes with us. Yes there are still meltdowns, but nothing beats being outdoors. Also, we go to a lot of places without internet, so that guarantees no “screentime” for all of us.
Do your family come along with you when you and your other half compete in enduro?
The Moto world is definitely one of the most family oriented industries there is. A lot of the events are organized where the whole family can race. Kids in the morning, Amateurs next, followed by Experts. There are however times where Justin and I are racing at the same time, and thats when we get help with our kiddos from family or friends. We like having them at events with us so they get used to the experience themselves and also there’s nothing like seeing their faces after a tough race.
What has been the biggest challenge that you’ve met about being a Mama that loves to ride motorcycles?
The guilt is real. I feel guilty for choosing myself over anyone or anything else. But the BEST thing you can do as a mother, is find something that creates happiness that is not dependent on anyone or anything but yourself. I found that in riding. So the challenge has become making the time or creating the opportunity to ride as much as possible.
Do you have any advice for other women who are mothers that would like to get into riding and dirt bikes?
Invest in good riding gear. And wear knee braces. We moms can’t afford to get hurt. We’ve got tiny humans to take care and sometimes our partners when they think they are young and invincible lol. Also, go to a womxn’s event. Like Camp VC, Babes in the Dirt, Over and Out Moto, or a Dirtastic Event. Take a class or clinic.
“Make moto friends... One of the people that helps with my boys the most is someone I met riding!”
How do you think your riding/ or how you view your riding has changed since becoming a mother?
I actually did an instagram post about this a while back. Time has always been precious, but when you’re a mother it becomes even more so. The minutes fucking count. If I’m riding, it took a ton a “work” to get there (finding help to watch the kiddos, cleaning/maintaining my bike and gear, stay- ing fit and healthy) so if I’m out, I’m going to make the most out of it. Riding as a mother is different, I’m super intentional, present, focused, and in the back of mind I know that I need to show up for my kids after this ride, so let’s not fuck ourselves up.
How soon were you back on your bike after having your little ones?
I had to look back at photos to remember. I was back on a dirt bike 6 months postpartum with Thomas (my first). I had a gnarly childbirth, so it took a while to heal and feel comfortable again. Totally different with James (my 2nd). I was back on a bike literally the day after my 6 weeks postpartum check-up and then I raced a ISDE 8 weeks postpartum. That was not easy. I literally pumped (breast milk), got my bike out of the impound and lined up to race. I could literally feel the pressure of my milk building up the entire race. That’s one of my favourite Moto Mom memories.
“Riding as a mother is different, I’m super intentional, present, focused, and in the back of mind I know that I need to show up for my kids after this ride, so let’s not fuck ourselves up.”
How did you find the right bike for you? Did you ask anyone for advice?
The “right” bike is always changing... The “right” bike also depends on the type of terrain you’ll be riding a majority of the time. My KTM is perfect for the technical woods riding I am riding the majority of the time. It does fine in the desert, but lacks the power/speed for those long open stretches. I’m lucky to have a partner that knows me and knows bikes pretty well. We are a bit biased towards KTM’s because we owned a KTM shop.
What are your favourite trails that you’ve ever ridden and why?
I’m fortunate to live in the Pacific Northwest which has miles and miles of single track through the most incredible scenery imaginable. The Gifford Pinchot National Forest is probably my favourite area. It’s challenging, high consequence with unbeatable views.
What is your ideal day out on a motorcycle? (who with, where would you ride and what would you be riding).
I can’t wait for the day my kids are both out there riding with their Mom and Dad on their OWN bikes. But until then, if I could teleport all my lady friends from all over the world to come ride in my neck of the woods that would be epic.
Why do you ride?
It’s so fun.
It’s a constant challenge.
It’s taken me through the most beautiful terrain with the most epic views.
Also, have you ever calculated the calories you burn while riding?! Hello fitness.
What’s the biggest fear you’ve conquered on a motorcycle?
I haven’t conquered my biggest fear yet... I’m completely terrified of catching mad air at a track. Water crossings care still scary even though I’ve done a bunch of them.
What is your greatest achievement from motorcycle riding?
My greatest achievement "with recognition” was a first place finish in the Devil’s Head ISDE, arguably the hardest race in Oregon. Just finishing is a feat in itself, so the fact that I came out on top was my single greatest “recognised” achievement.
Whats the biggest lesson you’ve learned from riding motorcycles?
Like most things, greatness takes time. Literally the only way you get better at riding is riding.
Anything else to add?
You’re never too old to start something new. Don’t use being a mother an excuse for not doing something, but rather a reason to do something. I promise you, nothing is harder than having a child. Anytime, I’m struggling or feeling overwhelmed or defeated, I literally tell myself “nothing is harder than childbirth, I got this”.
